Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, said the government is working with global, regional, and bilateral partners to strengthen preparedness and reduce the risk of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Addressing a high-level meeting at Harambee House Annex in Nairobi, Kindiki said Kenya has intensified surveillance and infection prevention and control measures across the country.

“Due to the interconnectedness of disease spread and control measures, Kenya is working with partners to ensure all necessary human, financial, and other resources are mobilised,” he stated.

He said border screening has been strengthened at all points of entry, with health workers mobilised and essential commodities prepositioned. The government has also established 23 isolation and treatment centres and activated four specialised laboratories to support testing and rapid response.

Health sector response and coordination measures

The meeting received a briefing on the national preparedness status and reviewed progress on the Taifa Care Universal Health Coverage rollout. Kindiki directed the Ministry of Health to accelerate logistical readiness while maintaining focus on Ebola prevention efforts.

The session was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Principal Secretaries Ouma Oluga and PS Mary Muthoni, and Director General Patrick Amoth, alongside other senior officials.

Authorities said Kenya remains free of Ebola but has strengthened preparedness due to increased regional connectivity and ongoing cases in neighbouring countries.

Border screening, training and response capacity

Officials reported that more than 88,000 travellers have been screened at border points, airports, and seaports. They also confirmed that 67 suspected cases tested negative, while over 800 health workers are undergoing training to improve response capacity.

In Bura, Tana River County, CS Duale said 170 Kenyan doctors who previously managed Ebola responses in West Africa are undergoing refresher training. He added that 29 counties now have active response teams and adequate PPEs and testing reagents supported by partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United States.

However, concerns emerged in Laikipia County, where residents protested the proposed construction of a 50-bed quarantine facility at a local air force base. Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators opposing the project, which locals say was not adequately communicated.

The government maintains that containment measures are part of national preparedness planning as Kenya continues to monitor regional developments.